Fresh Del Monte has partnered with logistics provider CMA CGM Group to replace breakbulk vessels with containerised shipping for banana and pineapple exports to Northeast Asia. The companies state the move will improve cold chain reliability, reduce handling risks, and cut carbon emissions.
For years, breakbulk vessels were used to ship bananas and pineapples to Japan and Korea. These ships, designed for irregular cargo, limited temperature control, and required multiple handling steps, making quality preservation difficult. Containerisation allows the fruit to remain in stable, regulated conditions throughout the supply chain.
"Customer satisfaction starts long before the fruit reaches the shelf; it begins with how we move it," said Raul Saca, SVP, Global Logistics at Fresh Del Monte. "By transitioning to dedicated container vessels, we're not only improving cold chain reliability and minimising damage but also creating a more agile, scalable logistics model that better serves our retail partners across Asia."
CMA CGM emphasised the logistics advantages of the collaboration. "This partnership with Fresh Del Monte reflects our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction," said Bo Wegener, CEO of CMA CGM Asia Pacific. "In addition to benefits from containerization, CMA CGM's expertise in fruits and fresh produce logistics offers improved solutions that add value to both producers and consumers."
CMA CGM has added routes to support the new service. The JP8 Service provides direct links from Davao to Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe, and Moji, targeting the Japanese market. The BMX Service offers a weekly route from Davao to Busan, South Korea.
The shift to container vessels also aligns with environmental targets. CMA CGM is investing in LNG-powered and biofuel-compatible ships, while reduced handling, shorter port stays, and more efficient cargo space usage help to lower emissions per unit shipped. Fresh Del Monte says the strategy also supports its goal to reduce food waste and carbon emissions across its operations.
According to the partners, the transition will allow for increased shipping capacity and more consistent quality for bananas and pineapples reaching Asian retailers.
Source: Food & Drink Digital